Periodontal Procedures and Implants: A Three-Part Exploration

The leadership of PAGD invites you to join us for a presentation by Dr. I. Stephen Brown on the following topics:

“The Future of Lasers in Periodontal Therapy: Science, Hype or Snake Oil”

Substantial controversy continues to surround the use of lasers in periodontal therapy. The results of recent research studies suggest that lasers provide a viable alternative to traditional periodontal surgery. Properly applied, lasers produce less bleeding, swelling and discomfort. Lasers treat the cause of periodontal disease rather than the effects, by specifically targeting identifiable periodontal pathogens. Regeneration of periodontal tissues around teeth and implants is the gold standard by which we measure treatment effectiveness. Evidence is emerging that lasers provide an enhanced method for achieving this elusive goal, while eliminating many of the negative side effects associated with conventional periodontal surgery.
 
Key points will include:

"A Breakthrough Treatment for Gum Recession: The Pinhole Surgical Technique - An Idea Whose Time Has Come"

Periodontists have been seeking a predictable and minimally invasive solution to the problem of gingival recession. The loss of gum tissue is the result of periodontal disease, the natural aging process, genetic predisposition or habits associated with tooth brushing.

Gum recession is significant and progressive. Teeth with root exposure are prone to decay, sensitivity and pulpal involvement. Treating recession is important for lasting dental health. The Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique offers a minimally invasive option for treating gum recession. Unlike traditional grafting techniques, PST™ is scalpel and suture free and does not depend on palatal donor tissue.

Traditional treatments for gum recession are surgically invasive and use autograft or allograft material to rebuild the lost gingiva. The “donor tissue” is sutured in place and regeneration of the gingival cuff is the desired outcome. While traditional grafting is effective, comparable results with better patient experience can be achieved with the Pinhole Surgical Technique.

When performing PST, a needle is used to make a small hole in the patient’s existing gum tissue. Through this pinhole, special instruments are used to gently loosen the gum tissue. These instruments expand and slide the gum line to cover the exposed root. There are no grafts, no sutures, and no incisions. It simply involves repositioning the existing gingival tissue complex.

The benefits of the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique are many:

• Less discomfort
• Faster recovery than traditional grafting
• No uncomfortable sutures
• No scalpels or invasive surgery
• No donor tissue from the patient's palate
• Excellent natural, long-lasting results

PST Technique is a predictable and minimally invasive alternative to traditional gum regenerative surgery.

“Narrow Diameter Implants: Creative Solutions to Vexing Clinical Problems”

 The use of osseointegrated implants to replace missing teeth has become widespread and highly predictable. Exceptional levels of success have made implants the treatment of choice for most tooth loss.

Dental implants are dependent upon adequate volume of bone and horizontal interdental space between implants and adjacent teeth. Clinicians have long perceived the need for a dental implant to satisfy special clinical situations. Patients with inadequate space between adjacent teeth or insufficient bone volume require a narrow diameter implant to support a functional, cosmetically acceptable tooth replacement.

Implant companies responding to the problem, developed narrow diameter implants, approximately ½ the width of standard implants. Early application of these “Mini Implants" was limited to stabilization of ill-fitting dentures.

This presentation illustrates the expanded use of narrow diameter implants to solve challenging clinical conditions requiring fixed, implant supported restorations.

Key Points will include

• Presentation of numerous examples of favorable clinical outcomes 
• Can “Mini Implants” be used to produce functional and cosmetically acceptable tooth replacement?
• How do narrow diameter implants differ from conventional sized implants?
• What are the clinical indications to support the use of this treatment modality?

About the speaker

Dr. I. Stephen Brown, a graduate of Temple University School of Dentistry, earned specialty certification in Periodontics and Adult Orthodontics at the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Dental Medicine, and was the first dentist in the US to acquire this rare double specialty. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and The International Congress of Oral Implantologists. He is a Fellow of the American and International Colleges of Dentists, and The Academy of Osseointegration. He is a Fellow of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia. Founded in 1787, it is the oldest professional medical organization in the country. It is, indeed, an unusual achievement for a dentist to be honored by this prestigious society. Dr. Brown serves as Professor of Periodontics at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Professor of Periodontology and Oral Implantology at Temple University School of Dentistry, and Director of the Dental Implant Center at Albert Einstein Medical Center. He has recently been selected as an Examiner for the American Board of Periodontology.